TFY Draft Pre-Combine Notes 1.0/ Tyler Bray

- We’ve alerted readers all along the concern with junior quarterback Tyler Bray of Tennessee has been one of maturity as well as off the field issues. Bray is aware of these concerns and sources tell me he’s been working hard in the pre-draft process to alleviate these fears. The junior passer has been working with former NFL quarterback Ty Detmer, who’s helping Bray understand what is means to be a professional quarterback and what will be expected of him. Thus far the results have been positive as the trainers and coaches in Carson, California, where Bray has been preparing for the combine, have referred to the strong armed passer as “humble” and “coachable”.

- Several sources have confirmed USC has pushed back its pro-day from the second week of March until the end of the month. The workout was originally slated to coincide with the UCLA pro-day on March 12th but players were recently told the date has been changed to the end of the month. We initially heard March 27th as the replacement date but there’s been no confirmation of that yet. Sources close to the situation told us the reason for moving it back on the calendar was to make sure quarterback Matt Barkley is prepared to throw. We’ve not spoken with anyone from Barkley’s camp but those in the know tell us they will be surprised if the Trojan quarterback takes part in any of the combine workout.

- Sources tell me Alabama defensive end Quinton Dial, who has received a combine invitation, recently underwent toe surgery and will be out a few months. The expectation is Dial will only participate in medical exams at the combine.

- So whatever happened to Marquis Jackson, the former pass rushing terror who transferred from Texas Southern to Portland State? Entering the season scouts stamped Jackson with a third round grade as he was one of the highest rated IAA seniors in the nation. Jackson finished the 2012 season with 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, compared to 50/18.5/6 in 2011. Sources from the area tell us it was a case of senioritis as PSU coaches say Jackson was a big disappointment. The over riding theme is Jackson should have entered the 2012 draft or thrown his name into last July’s supplemental draft, which was rumored at the time.

- So whatever happened to Marquis Jackson, the former pass rushing terror who transferred from Texas Southern to Portland State? Entering the season scouts stamped Jackson with a third round grade as he was one of the highest rated IAA seniors in the nation. Jackson finished the 2012 season with 36 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, compared to 50/18.5/6 in 2011. Sources from the area tell us it was a case of senioritis as PSU coaches say Jackson was a big disappointment. The over riding theme is Jackson should have entered the 2012 draft or thrown his name into last July’s supplemental draft, which was rumored at the time.

Tyler Bray's been one of my favorite college QB's the past couple years. I think he's underrated only because of his team's lack of success, but I blame that more on Tennessee's defense. They were the worst in Tennessee history, giving up over 30, 40, and even 50 points in multiple games, and Tennessee's offense couldn't score enough points to make up for it. Point blank: they were terrible. And, his Head Coach (now Cowboys WR coach) Derrick Dooley maximize his talent. Bray's also been scrutinized for his off the field issues, and rightfully so. But, he just turned 21, and he made those (2) poor decisions when he was 19 and 20. Young kids make dumb mistakes. He should be fine.

With that said, I think Bray will end up being drafted in the 2nd round before it's all said and done, to a team other than the Cowboys. He's got 1st round arm talent (and easily the best arm in the draft) and with a couple years of development, he could be special at the next level. He just needs som tutelage and patience.

How would you project the career path of Bray if the Cowboys drafted him?

what exactly are you saying? that we shouldnt draft QBs because Romo is not going anywhere and it would be a wasted pick? .The Seahawks drafted a QB after acquiring one for big bucks in free agency,how did that work out for them?.Romo is on the downward path in his career and is not trustworthy,we should absolutely draft a QB if we have a chance.

what exactly are you saying? that we shouldnt draft QBs because Romo is not going anywhere and it would be a wasted pick? .The Seahawks drafted a QB after acquiring one for big bucks in free agency,how did that work out for them?.Romo is on the downward path in his career and is not trustworthy,we should absolutely draft a QB if we have a chance.

If Romo "can't be trusted" and is on the "downward" path, then they should not sign him to a new contract.

If they don't sign Romo to a new contract, then his 2013 Salary Cap hit is going to be extreme.

If Romo's 2013 cap hit is going to be extreme and it's the last year of his contract, then they should just trade him.

If the Cowboys trade Romo, then they're doubtful to win in 2013 with Bray.

If they're not going to win in 2013, then why not just tank the season and get a top rated QB in the 2014 draft?

If they sign Romo to a new contract and draft Bray, then they're hoping that Bray is a wasted draft pick. If he is not a wasted pick, then signing Romo to a new contract was a failure. Even if Bray takes over after 4 years, he will require a 2nd contract. Getting minimal contribution from a draft pick on their 1st contract is a failure regardless of their upside on the 2nd contract.

If Romo "can't be trusted" and is on the "downward" path, then they should not sign him to a new contract.

If they don't sign Romo to a new contract, then his 2013 Salary Cap hit is going to be extreme.

If Romo's 2013 cap hit is going to be extreme and it's the last year of his contract, then they should just trade him.

If the Cowboys trade Romo, then they're doubtful to win in 2013 with Bray.

If they're not going to win in 2013, then why not just tank the season and get a top rated QB in the 2014 draft?

If they sign Romo to a new contract and draft Bray, then they're hoping that Bray is a wasted draft pick. If he is not a wasted pick, then signing Romo to a new contract was a failure. Even if Bray takes over after 4 years, he will require a 2nd contract. Getting minimal contribution from a draft pick on their 1st contract is a failure regardless of their upside on the 2nd contract.

So we are handicapped by this loser? Great! I don't know cap specifics but our money management is pathetic if that's the case. Romo should be in a prove it year just like Flacco was.